Cutting Corners?

[Emma Grey]

Hi!

I have one tiny paphiopedilum NOID that I need to re-pot, but the only mix I have is Better-Gro's Phalaenopsis mix. I don't really want to buy a new bag of mix for one tiny plant, so can I use the Better-Gro Phalaenopsis mix for the paph? Or, should I spend the money on a mix that is catered more toward paphs?

Thanks,

- Emma

[edgy]

spend the cash....the Phal mix dries out faster....Paphs like to stay moist...not wet but moist. Good Luck!

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by Emma.Grey

Hi!

I have one tiny paphiopedilum NOID that I need to re-pot, but the only mix I have is Better-Gro's Phalaenopsis mix. I don't really want to buy a new bag of mix for one tiny plant, so can I use the Better-Gro Phalaenopsis mix for the paph? Or, should I spend the money on a mix that is catered more toward paphs?

Thanks,

- Emma

Potting should be done about every two years, or as the medium decomposes. Seedlings and smaller plants are often repotted annually. Mixes vary tremendously; most are fine- or medium-grade fir bark, with varying additives, such as perlite (sponge rock), coarse sand and sphagnum moss. Moisture retention with excellent drainage is needed. Large plants can be divided by pulling or cutting the fans of the leaves apart, into clumps of three to five growths. Smaller divisions will grow, but may not flower. Spread the roots over a small amount of medium in the bottom of the pot and fill with medium, so that the junction of roots and stem is buried 1D 2 inch deep in the center of the pot. Do not overpot; an average plant should have a 4- to 6-inch pot.


AOS | Paphiopedilum

[kid a]

I use the same mix on my phals and paphs but it works great for both in my conditions. i'm not familiar with the better grow mix. What I use is called "all purpose" and for me it almost is, i mix schultz mix or hoffman's organic mix with it for plants that need a chunkier mix though. But most of my plants are in the same mix. all purpose for seedling and mature plants it lists the ingredients they make it out of on the page...they specialize in phals, paphs, and phrags and they use it on everything.

[Ron]

Hi, just too confuse you even more.

is Better-Gro's Phalaenopsis mix.

Most mixes tends have a label change to make them a Paph mix also.
I use CoCo nuggets now for all my orchids needs, nothing else in the mix, takes a bit of time to settle into a routine were watering and fertilizing needs to be settled into aroutine.
For a small Paph I would place it in as small a pot as the roots will fit into, I like deep style pots.
If these is a lot of fines in the Phal. mix just sieve a few fines out.
Or just pick out the bits around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.



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[kmarch]

Paphs should be repotted every year either in spring or after flowering.

[orchids4me]

Kmarch beat me to it lol. Every year for Paphs...they stay moist for their cultural needs so the media does break down quicker if has like bark in the mix. So its recommended yearly for Paphs and they like being re potted too

[Brooke]

Yes you can use the same mix for your Paph. The Better Grow Phal mix actually has chunks of peat moss in it to help hold more moisture than their normal orchid mix.

Save your money and buy another orchid and use what you have on hand.

Brooke

[JungleMel]

It'll be fine, go for it. Before I knew what I was doing I potted my paph in straight bark that I picked out of either that mix or a similar one. I keep using it as it appears to be happy with what I'm doing. You might need to change your watering habits if it doesn't hold as much moisture, but no need to spend money on special mixes if you can just work differently with the ones you have.

Originally Posted by orchids4me

Kmarch beat me to it lol. Every year for Paphs...they stay moist for their cultural needs so the media does break down quicker if has like bark in the mix. So its recommended yearly for Paphs and they like being re potted too

Sorry to hijack a little but, they like being repotted? Can you elaborate, or do you just mean they like it better than sitting in old stuff?

[PhalNewbie89]

I think she means that they appreciate it and like phals will reward repotting with new growth.

[JungleMel]

Originally Posted by PhalNewbie89

I think she means that they appreciate it and like phals will reward repotting with new growth.

Ok thanks, that makes sense. It already has new growth so I'll just leave it be!